Textile Factory Wastewater Could Be Used in Agriculture

Textile Factory Wastewater Could Be Used in Agriculture Turkish scientists working in the Chemical Engineering Department at Ege University have developed a four-stage treatment system to enable the purification and agricultural use of wastewater from textile factories. Prof. Dr. Süheyda Atalay and Prof. Dr. Ferhan Sami Atalay from the Chemical Engineering Department at Ege University began their work two years ago to find a solution to potential water scarcity resulting from the climate crisis. The project on treating and reusing textile factory wastewater for agricultural irrigation was also supported by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülin Ersöz and Dr. Burcu Palas, who also work in the same department.

Water Cycle for Textile Factories is Also Being Achieved

As a result of studies conducted for the project, a semi-pilot treatment system with four units—photoreactor, adsorber, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis—was developed. Successful results were obtained from this treatment system. While the project continued, Prof. Dr. Süheyda Atalay and Prof. Dr. Ferhan Sami Atalay, who had retired from the department, continued laboratory work. Prof. Dr. Süheyda Atalay provided explanations regarding the project. Atalay stated, "The water becomes clear in terms of color, and the chemical substances that cause pollution are removed. Thus, this water can be reused as process water within the factory as well as used for irrigation purposes in agriculture. In this way, the water cycle for textile factories that use large quantities of water is being achieved."

Salinity Removed at 98 Percent Rate

Atalay also noted that the treatment system they developed is an environmentally friendly and innovative application. Atalay stated: "The treated water can be used in factories for irrigating plants such as bermuda grass, sugar beets, wheat grass, cotton and barley. Reverse osmosis treatment was applied to remove salinity and recover salt used during the dyeing process. Salinity was removed at a 98 percent rate. Thus, the desalinated water is brought to Class A quality, in accordance with irrigation water standards applied in Turkey, and can be successfully used for growing all types of plants in agriculture," she said.

"An Exemplary Work for Young People Who Want to Pursue Science"

Ege University Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak also visited the scientists during their laboratory work and made statements. Budak conveyed that despite their retirement, the couple has developed a very important treatment system and continued their work on the project. Complimenting the scientists working on the project, Budak stated: "Science is lifelong and infinite. The Atalay couple are officially retired but they continue to work. This is exemplary work for young research assistants and young people who want to pursue science." Source